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Mar 4, 2017 | 01:31

Pro-Trump rallies sweep America

Participants in the so-called Spirit of America rallies say U.S. President Donald Trump is a competent leader who will 'make America great', despite a recent surge in anti-Trump protests. Jillian Kitchener reports.

TRANSCRIPT +

SOT: "We love America, we love our president."
Hundreds of Trump fans came together in the nation's capital... in solidarity with the man who, they say, is going to make America great again.
They marched on, despite counter-protesters.
Organizers say the wave of recent anti-Trump protests influenced the so-called Spirit of America rallies, which were held in at least 28 of the country's 50 states.
Supporters in Pennsylvania say the president is working for everyone.
(SOUNDBITE) TRICIA CUNNINGHAM, SAYING
"We're going to make America great again for you too, whether you voted for Trump or not. He's going to do this for you."
Nationwide, supporters echoed much of what Trump said in his campaign. (sots: "lock her up, drain the swamp, build the wall)
Many said Trump IS staying true to his word, and believe the job market will improve.
In Washington, many said they believe Trump's recent Tweet, claiming he was wiretapped by his predecessor, Barack Obama.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BALTIMORE RESIDENT NAMED DAVID, SAYING:
"Treason, I believe he is Muslim. I believe he wants to destroy this country."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) RICHMOND, VIRGINIA RESIDENT LEE GRIFFIN, SAYING:
"Somebody's going to go to jail. And somebody should."
The rallies stayed mainly peaceful... except in the left-leaning city of Berkeley, California.
Trump supporters fired pepper spray at counter-protesters and both sides were hit over the head with wooden sticks.
But from coast to coast, supporters are asking critics to give Trump a chance to heal the country.

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